Heidelberg University Publishing

Abstract The Registrum Ludovicii Tercii provides a significant amount of information related to the first half of the fifteenth century, helping to fill in the blanks caused by the loss of the Archivio di Stato di Napoli. This chapter looks at the topic of frontiers and boundaries through letters patent (litterae patentes), issued for passus (passages) and landings, and aims to demonstrate their transience. After a preliminary part dedicated to historical events, the presentation addresses the land perspective, analysing three documents re­ garding passi in Calabria, in the Marthorano universitas and the urban gates of Reggio. The second section focuses on sea frontiers. Four landings were consigned to guardians, appointed to keep them safe by supervising and controlling the arrivals and departures of men and wares. The letter of 22 February 1426 shows the continuity of connections between the Mainland (Calabria and therefore the whole Realm) and Sicily, and the attempt made by Louis III to oversee them. The final part analyses six safe­conducts, which illustrate the network of relations forged by the French prince and contacts with his homeland, the court of Jeanne II and a group of merchants, the Venetians. In conclu­ sion, this source highlights the continuous attention paid to the defence and management of frontiers, especially maritime borders. Despite the brevity of the prince’s stay, he un­ deniably sought to assert his power and jurisdiction by, among other things, drawing up and supervising passus and landings, threatened by local forces, personal interests, and external enemies.